Katydid 2011

Advanced singles competitors started arriving on Sunday afternoon for a clinic with Michael Freund that started on Monday morning. For two days, 17 Advanced single drivers practiced with Freund honing their dressage and cones skills.

Since this is the USEF Singles Championship, the Advanced level will do eight obstacles. The course was designed by Barry Hunter, FEI course designer who also designed the courses in Conty, France for the FEI World Pair Championship this summer.

“Fabulously ready,” said Marcie Quist, who is one of the Advanced drivers hoping to earn the title of National Champion. “The bags are fun,” she said of the gift each competitor receives.

Temperatures are cool, but the clear skies and little breeze mean that the sunshine is very warm and pleasant. It is fun to sit in the chairs provided across the road where the clinic is being held and bask in the sunshine while listening to Freund and watching him coach the drivers.

Two dressage rings will run simultaneously on Friday, and two cones courses will also be run simultaneously on Sunday. With over 90 entered and 86 actually competing, and the days getting shorter (daylight savings time ends Sunday morning) two rings are essential so no one has to drive in the dark.

The weather forecast is for temperatures in the high 60s, but nights in the 30s-40s. But no rain is predicted, unlike last year.

Section A is closed for inspection – it is so well marked that anyone who is seen on Section A is in jeopardy of not having their entry accepted next year.